BeReal, a French photo-sharing app, is gaining attention for its distinctive concept of promoting authenticity. Developed by Alexis Barreyat, the app is designed to encourage users to embrace their true selves by prohibiting filters and editing tools on the platform.
Alexis, the app’s founder and a former GoPro employee, launched BeReal in 2020 on both iOS and Play Store. His vision is to revolutionize social media by fostering genuine and unfiltered content, including snapshots taken directly from users’ phones.
Despite offering minimal features, BeReal stands out for its commitment to authenticity, leading to a recent surge in popularity. Since January, the app has experienced a remarkable 315% increase in downloads. SensorTower reports that BeReal has consistently ranked among the most downloaded free social networking apps for iPhone.
Funding and Expansion
BeReal recently secured $30 million in funding, led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. This significant investment reflects growing interest in the app’s unique approach to social media. The company is actively promoting BeReal to colleges across the United States through a campus ambassador program, indicating a strategic marketing initiative to expand its user base.
How BeReal Works
The app operates on a simple yet intriguing premise. Once a day, users receive a notification prompting them to post their “BeReal” photo of the day. They have only two minutes to prepare before taking a photo using both front and back cameras simultaneously. BeReal strictly prohibits retouching, filters, or retakes, ensuring that each image captures an authentic moment. Notably, users must post their own photo every time they view someone else’s image. Users have the option to share their photos on a global feed or exclusively with friends.
Future Prospects
While BeReal’s concept is undeniably intriguing, its long-term sustainability remains uncertain. Many innovative concepts in the realm of social media have experienced fleeting success before fading into obscurity. Nevertheless, BeReal’s availability in India provides an opportunity for users to explore and engage with its unique approach to photo sharing.
BeReal represents a refreshing departure from the heavily filtered and curated content prevalent on mainstream social media platforms. As users increasingly prioritize authenticity and genuine connections, BeReal’s emphasis on unfiltered self-expression may resonate with a growing audience seeking a more authentic social media experience.
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